Tag: Senator Heineken Lokpobiri

  • Ojulari appointment strategic, will ensure efficiency, accountability – Lokpobiri

    Ojulari appointment strategic, will ensure efficiency, accountability – Lokpobiri

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has described as strategic, the appointment of Mr Bayo Ojulari, as the new helmsman of the NNPC Ltd.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday announced the appointment of Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer( GCEO) of NNPC Ltd.

    In his congratulatory message on Thursday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the minister assured a sector-wide collaboration.

    Lokpobiri described the appointments of Ojulari and the new board chairman, Mr Ahmadu Kida, as well-deserved.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for making strategic appointments in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    He stated that the decision would further strengthen the legal framework governing the oil and gas sector, ensuring greater efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.

    “This is a crucial step toward further repositioning NNPC Ltd. to meet the demands of the evolving global energy landscape.

    He expressed optimism that Ojulari and his team would significantly grow NNPC Ltd. from their vast experience” in achieving our national energy objectives.”

    The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to continue collaborating with NNPC Ltd.’s leadership in delivering on its mandate.

    He also called on industry stakeholders, investors, and partners to support the new management team in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    “I urge all stakeholders to rally behind this new leadership as we work together to enhance production capacity, optimise value across the petroleum value chain, and secure a sustainable future for the sector,” he added.

    He thanked the former GCEO, Mr Mele Kyari, for his meritorious service.

    Lokpobiri, however, reiterated that under President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria remained committed to fostering an enabling environment for growth, investment, and transformation in the oil and gas industry.

  • Lokpobiri pledges more support for indigenous oil and gas players

    Lokpobiri pledges more support for indigenous oil and gas players

    During a facility tour of Caverton’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and Training Centre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, emphasized the critical role of strong support services in the oil and gas sector, particularly as the industry navigates substantial divestment.

    Lokpobiri, in a statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, highlighted the increasing demand for reliable logistics and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s local content agenda to ensure sustainable growth and efficiency.

    “The commitment to fostering innovation and operational excellence in the industry remains unwavering. Indigenous service providers must be well-positioned to support the evolving needs of our oil and gas sector, and every necessary measure will be taken to enhance their capacity,” he said.

    Lokpobiri commended Caverton Helicopters for its investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure, noting that its operations meet global standards and play a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    “I have seen training centres abroad, and I can confidently say that Caverton stands out. Caverton is a pacesetter,” he said. “I am also pleased to hear that pilots trained here are gainfully employed internationally. Whatever is needed to support our partnership will be done.”

    He further applauded Caverton for maintaining a zero-casualty record in its operations, underscoring the company’s commitment to safety and excellence.

    During the visit, Lokpobiri was received by Caverton’s leadership team, including Chairman Aderemi Makanjuola and CEO Olabode Makanjuola.

    Aderemi Makanjuola welcomed Lokpobiri and reiterated Caverton’s dedication to innovation and expansion.

    “We are a proudly Nigerian company, and our achievements continue to attract global recognition. We look forward to collaborating with you to support Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he said.

    Olabode Makanjuola highlighted Caverton’s dominant role in offshore logistics, stating that the company holds over 70 percent of the market share in Nigeria, providing critical services to major oil firms, including Shell, Chevron, Total, and NNPC.

    He emphasized the vital role of efficient logistics in achieving Nigeria’s oil production target of 2 million barrels per day, aligning with the federal government’s agenda under President Bola Tinubu.

    “Our investments in MRO facilities, hangars, and training centres position us to support this vision effectively. We are eager to partner with the Ministry of Petroleum and agencies such as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to strengthen local content participation and development,” he stated.

    Caverton also plans to embark on a strategic investment drive to attract investors and expand its operational capacity, reinforcing its role as a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    The Federal Government remains open to partnerships with investors developing technologies that align with Nigeria’s transformative drive in the oil sector.

  • Lokpobiri laments abandonment of Brass refinery project in Bayelsa

    Lokpobiri laments abandonment of Brass refinery project in Bayelsa

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D, has expressed dissatisfaction over the abandonment of the Brass Modern Refinery project in Bayelsa State.

    The Minister made this known during an inspection visit at Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, during which he inspected the Ewa-ama road project, which leads to Brass Petroleum Products Terminal (BPPT), where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

    A statement by the Minister’s media aide, Nneamaka Okafor on Thursday, explained that Lokpobiri was accompanied by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The Minister emphasized that the completion of ongoing projects in the region is a key mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    He assured that the Government is determined to ensure the realization of these projects within the President’s first two years in office.

    “It is unacceptable that such a strategic project has been left in this state for so long,” Senator Lokpobiri stated. “The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that critical oil and gas infrastructure, like the Brass Refinery, is completed to create jobs and drive economic growth in the region.”

    During his visit, the Minister engaged with representatives of the host community, acknowledging their peaceful disposition despite the challenges they have faced. He urged them to continue supporting the Federal Government’s efforts and assured them that their concerns had been noted.

    “I sincerely commend the people of Brass for their patience and cooperation,” he said. “Your support is invaluable, and I assure you that we will work tirelessly to address these issues and bring this project to completion.”

    In response, a community representative expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, describing it as a significant step towards restoring confidence in the government’s commitment to the region.

    “We appreciate Senator Lokpobiri’s visit and his assurance that this project will receive due attention,” the representative said. “We are hopeful that his intervention will lead to tangible progress.”

    The Minister further urged the host community to sustain the peace, emphasizing that stability is essential for attracting further investment and development. He reiterated the government’s dedication to creating opportunities that would benefit the people of Brass and the broader Niger Delta region.